14C at 5AM! Oh, how I love August. The last full moon, I knew it was gonna stay hot or not. NOT! LOVELY NOT HOT! Now, twas 30C yesterday but the humdiddly was near 45% and there was a slight breeze. Tolerable while in the shade. Even mowed the two front lawns at 7PM and didn't work up much of a sweat although I took about 6 breaks to stretch and calm my aching back. Forecast highs are 21 to 24C (but more humid) for the next 7... I love NOT HOT August.

I wish NOT HOT for all in the good ship. While you are all on my mind, foremost at this very instant is Max. I soooo want an update but I know it will come and I pray it's positive. If you happen to read this, Max... thanks... yer one a the good guys.

So glad you're here alison.....and you're right, we do go back......back to those "Radio Days" and even well before. Another of my wonderful friends that I will probably never meet in 3D but with whom I've shared so much it doesn't seem to matter.

When you live through another person's highs and lows, joys and sadness..........I guess the only part missing are the those real world hugs.

I'll take coffee or tea, whichever is easiest, Janie, and thanks! Need any help in the galley? Oh, wait, I just remembered I have some shortbread cookies in my ditty bag. Mind if I get out a plate for them? Help yourselves, sailors! I'm sorry they don't go too well with beer.

Anyone like baked cheesecake? I have some left from Billy's 65th Birthday Party!! We had 30 family and friends join us at the weekend to celebrate his birthday and good health! We have a lot to be thankful for this year so it was good to celebrate with our loved ones.

I will sing along with you Janie....AND billy is a lucky guy if for nothing else than getting baked cheesecake!!!!

I'm ashore for a blood test and Aronesp shot today s I'll be anxious to see where things are at. I let the balance scale tip and spent bad day getting things right but today I feel good and look forward to a few hours alone with Karen.

Tip: Put a tea towel over the cork, grip it tight and turn the bottle (rather than the cork) on a hard surface - like a kitchen worktop. The friction of the bottom of the bottle turning on the surface keeps the champagne calm, so no wasteful spray.

Sad news above the line - another long time Mudcatter who hadn't been around for a while has died. I didn't know karen k well, but always looked forward to seeing her at Getaways and she was one of those lovely positive presences on Mudcat and so supportive of others in the folk music world of the Northeast USA.

Will the crew join me in a simple and peaceful chorus to sing....

May the long time sun shine upon you All love surround you. And the pure light within you Guide your way on.

At 'Spaw's suggestion, some of Katlaughing's ashes will be sent to me by Roger for several reasons, and one of those reasons and responsibilities is to represent those who participate here, in Jane's Rainbow, whether they may participate by posting, by reading, or by focused caring attention of one or more of us who participate by posting.

I lovingly reject Spaw's characterizing me as executive officer of this thread. We are a versatile and flexible crew, all concerned with community and caring, and clearly I am one in a chorus - one of many at the oars or manning the sails.

Addressing what I have been charged to undertake on behalf of "Jane's Rainbow," please share with me via pm any words, poems, songs, gestures, you want to contribute when I scatter the ashes of Kat with which I am charged on behalf of all of us. I don't know exactly when or where that will happen but will keep you posted.

I came to Mudcat in the fall of 2002. I haven't gone back to research the early, formative days and years that forged Mudcat into the community it became - wasn't really aware there was at one time controversy -or a back story - to threads such as this. I doubt I ever will research it unless I have to time to explore the sociological evolution of Mudcat. Remember, Mudcat was also there on the early frontier of social networking. Obviously, though, this thread wouldn't be here were it not for Kat's advocacy early on.

nice tune Janie.i am wondering what that droning thing in the background is called - very effective anyway. wishing comfort and consolation for those grieving. may precious memories draw the sting out and soothe the wound. blessings pete.

I love the pounding of hooves I love engines that roar I love the wild music of waves on the shore And the spiral perfection of a hawk when it soars Love my sweet woman down to the core

There's roads and there's roads And they call, can't you hear it? Roads of the earth And roads of the spirit The best roads of all Are the ones that aren't certain One of those is where you'll find me Till they drop the big curtain

Hear the wind moan In the bright diamond sky These mountains are waiting Brown-green and dry I'm too old for the term But I'll use it anyway I'll be a child of the wind Till the end of my days

Little round planet In a big universe Sometimes it looks blessed Sometimes it looks cursed Depends on what you look at obviously But even more it depends on the way that you see Hear the wind moan In the bright diamond sky These mountains are waiting Brown-green and dry I'm too old for the term But I'll use it anyway I'll be a child of the wind Till the end of my days

Thinking particularly of Morgan and Roger, and Nigel and Ann tonight. All of us are feeling the aftershock of so many needs and heartaches- let us feel even more keenly the joys and triumphs to which we have been as clouds of witnesses.

I find some comfort in handling the amazing wild birds we transport to the area sanctuary- a female loon and juvenile heron this week- and in training our newest bantam chicks.